HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) – An Edneyville woman has been arrested after authorities say her 3-year-old son was found alone about a mile away from home.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office says 23-year-old Brandi Nicole Gates is charged with misdemeanor child abuse after her son was found Thursday.

The sheriff’s office said in a statement that deputies responded to a home where a small child had been found by a homeowner. Authorities say deputies recognized the boy from previous contacts with a family who lived about one mile away.

Authorities say the child was taken to the hospital for a medical assessment and was released.

Gates was taken to the Henderson County jail. It wasn’t clear if she has an attorney.